February is more than a celebration of romance, chocolate, and flowers. It’s also recognized as American Heart Month, an initiative started in 1963 to encourage Americans to manage their heart health. Here’s how you can love your heart more this Valentine’s day, and every day of the year.
Salt
Sodium is linked to high blood pressure. Try to use minimal salt in your cooking or utilize sea salt. You can also try replacing salt in your diet with other spices and seasonings to add flavor to your cuisine.
Fiber
Foods with high amounts of fiber help reduce cholesterol level. Three servings of whole grains a day are recommended for a healthier heart.
Fruits
Blueberries and strawberries are great for your arteries.
Fat
Reduce your intake of fatty foods and red meat. You can replace red meat with foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like fish twice a week.
Exercise
Cardiovascular activity is very important in keeping your heart healthy. Get at least 30 minutes of exercise 5-6 days a week. There are a variety of physical activities that provide aerobic exercise:
- Swimming
- Aerobic classes
- Walking
- Light weight-lifting
- Yoga and Pilates
Smoking and Drinking
For your heart’s sake, it’s vital that you avoid smoking, tobacco, and excessive alcohol consumption. Tobacco use and heavy drinking have been proven to cause many heart-related issues:
- Ischemic heart disease
- Atherosclerosis
- Heart failure
- Heart attacks
- Peripheral artery disease
How Cypress Helps Older Adults Stay Healthy
Cypress HomeCare is committed to providing professional and highly-qualified caregivers for older adults. Caregivers can assist you or your loved ones by providing healthy meals necessary for heart health. Contact us today through our website or at (602) 264-8009 for a free in-home care assessment.